The Texans wide receivers were young in 2016.
DeAndre Hopkins was in season four as a professional, but just 24 years old. Braxton Miller and Will Fuller, V were rookies. Jaelen Strong was in his second season. That quartet returns for 2017, and Bill O'Brien believes that crew will take a crucial step in developing.
"I think that you'll see a big jump from some of these guys that were rookies last year," O'Brien said. "You look at Braxton Miller and you look at Will Fuller and Tyler Ervin – who has been used in a lot of different ways."
The head coach said the transformation has been evident through May and June in organized team activities (OTAs) and veteran minicamp.
"These guys have made a big jump from their rookie year to their second year, even just looking at the spring," O'Brien said. "So, I'm excited about that group, the leadership that Hopkins brings. We're all excited about where that group can be."
Last year, Fuller, Miller and Strong combined for 76 receptions and 865 yards.
The Houston Texans roster in photos.
DL, Mario Addison, #97
TE, Jordan Akins, #88
Arizona Cardinals' Eno Benjamin (26) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)
DL, Thomas Booker, #56
RB, Rex Burkhead, #28
OL, A.J. Cann, #60
LB, Blake Cashman, #53
DL, Maliek Collins, #96
WR, Nico Collins, #12
WR, Brandin Cooks, #13
OL, Austin Deculus, #76
WR, Phillip Dorsett, #4
DL, Michael Dwumfour, #50
K, Ka'imi Fairbairn, #7
OL, Kenyon Green, #59.
DL, Rasheem Green, #92
FB, Troy Hairston, #34
LB, Jake Hansen, #49
LB, Christian Harris, #48
OL, Charlie Heck, #67
LB, Neville Hewitt, #43
DL, Kurt Hinish, #93
TE, O.J. Howard, #83
OL, Tytus Howard, #71
DL, Jerry Hughes, #55
DL, Jaleel Johnson, #90
P, Cameron Johnston, #11
TE, Brevin Jordan, #9
DB, Desmond King II, #25
LB, Christian Kirksey, #58
DL, Roy Lopez, #91
OL, Justin McCray, #64
QB, Davis Mills, #10
WR, Chris Moore, #15
OL, Jimmy Morrissey, #79
DB, Eric Murray, #23
DB, Steven Nelson, #21
RB, Dare Ogunbowale, #33
DL, Ogbo Okoronkwo, #45
DB, Jonathan Owens, #36
RB, Dameon Pierce, #31
DB, Jalen Pitre, #5
OL, Scott Quessenberry, #54
TE, Teagan Quitoriano, #84
LB, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, #44
WR, Amari Rodgers
DB, Tremon Smith, #1.
DB, M.J. Stewart, #29
DB, Derek Stingley Jr., #24
OL, Laremy Tunsil, #78
LB, Garret Wallow, #32
LS, Jon Weeks #46
